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Vincent James named city's community building chief, succeeding Yvette Gentry

Mayor Greg Fischer announced Thursday he is promoting Vincent James to the city's chief of community building.

James previously served as the faith and community-based coordinator in the Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods. In his new position, he succeeds Yvette Gentry, who is leaving to focus on her health, the mayor's office wrote in a news release.

"Vincent James is a prime example of a citizen stepping up to be the one to make a difference in the life of a young person," Fischer wrote, "and that is why he's the perfect choice for a leadership role as we work every day toward a city where every single person has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential."

As chief of community building, James will take a leading role in the city's comprehensive public safety strategy and become a member of the mayor's senior leadership team.

The position also involves supervising departments such as the Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, Public Health and Wellness, Youth Detention Services, Louisville Zoo and Parks and Recreation.

"I'm excited to take on a bigger role in helping to provide a safe and healthy community for everyone in every neighborhood," James wrote in the news release. "Louisville has strong teams in every agency that work toward our goal of building a stronger community, and I'm looking forward to working with them to build on the good work that's been done over nearly seven years.

As the faith and community-based coordinator, James worked with the Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods to "address the root causes of violence" through community engagement, mentorship and other programs.

James is also pastor of Elim Baptist Church in Parkland. He previously worked for GE and has been involved in nonprofit community building initiatives.

"She promised her family that if she had not achieved optimal health by the beginning of October, she would step away," Fischer wrote. "She informed me of her intent and allowed us time to find a replacement to ensure a smooth transition that continues our positive momentum.

In the statement, Gentry said she appreciated the opportunity the mayor had given her, adding that she believes in the team and their efforts to make the city a better place.

Prior to stepping into the role in 2015, Gentry served more than two decades on the police force in investigations, strategic planning, budgeting and patrol. She began with LMPD as a dispatcher, and worked her way through the ranks eventually becoming deputy chief in 2011.